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Are "options" for accessibility sake, discrimination or Universal Design?

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From: Karen Sorensen
Date: Aug 16, 2011 8:15PM

Hi -
We are working to implement accessibility guidelines for online classes
winter 2012. We have a committee of faculty, instructional support,
disability services, web services, distance learning and others helping us
to figure out the best way to implement these guidelines. We ran into an
impasse today.

The Quality Matters rubric from Maryland Online that we use to evaluate
online classes says
"The instructor provides documentation stating the degree of accessibility
of any content, tools, and software used in the course. If any component of
the course is inaccessible, instructions are provided on how to obtain
accommodation."

The question and discussion that followed was whether an alternate
assignment would be considered a legal accommodation. There were some strong
opinions on both sides. One side felt like that was good Universal Design to
give the students a choice of assignments (some being accessible, others
not), the other side felt like if there was an accessible version why
wouldn't you just go with that.

Anyone tackled this issue before? Have an opinion on the legalities of it?

--
Karen M. Sorensen
Instructional Technology Specialist
Accessibility Advocate for Online Courses
Portland Community College
971-722-4720